1942-1954

By heatherzook

  • Production of atomic bomb

    President Roosevelt approves production of the atomic bomb following receipt of a National Academy of Sciences report determining that a bomb is feasible.

  • Little Big Inch pipeline

    The Little Big Inch pipeline for refined petroleum products is completed from Texas to New Jersey. Like the Big Inch, it is built by a private company, War Emergency Pipelines, but owned by the Federal government.

  • Roosevelt dies

    President Roosevelt dies. Harry S. Truman becomes President.

  • Little Boy

    The gun model uranium bomb, called Little Boy, is dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

  • Atomic Energy Act

    President Truman signs the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 transferring Manhattan Project assets and responsibilities to the civilian Atomic Energy Commission.

  • Blockade begins

    Soviet Union begins blockade of West Berlin.

  • Korean War begins

    North Korea invades South Korea. The Korean War begins.

  • Dwight D. Eisenhower

    Dwight D. Eisenhower is inaugurated President.

  • U.S.S. Nautilus.

    The Navy launches the first nuclear-powered submarine, U.S.S. Nautilus.

  • Atomic Energy Act Of 1954

    President Eisenhower signs the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, opening the way for development of a civilian nuclear power program.